Step back in time and experience history like never before at Genesee Country Village & Museum this June. Spanning over 600 scenic acres, GCV&M invites visitors of all ages to explore its Historic Village, world-class Gallery, and immersive Nature Center or attend one of the special programs offered throughout the month. Here’s a taste of what’s happening at GCV&M this month:
Juneteenth
Wednesday and Thursday,
June 18 and 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
GCV&M honors Juneteenth, considered the oldest celebration of the end of enslavement in the United States and an official federal holiday.
Wednesday only: Join award-winning children’s author Alice Faye Duncan on Village Square to hear the story of Opal Lee and a sermon delivered by Martin Luther King, Jr. just before his death in Memphis from her soon-to-be-published children’s book.
Thursday only: Kids 12 and under are free, thanks to sponsor Wegmans Food Markets
Both Days: Guest interpreters from the North Star Players will be on campus sharing stories of joy and celebration, including a riveting interactive call and response performance.
Toward Freedom and Fairness Walking Tour: Beginning at the Tollhouse and visiting the Land Office, Quaker Meeting House, Livingston-Backus House, and Nathaniel Rochester House, all of which were part of the story of enslavement and freedom in the Genesee Valley in the 19th-century, guests will expand learning about enslavement and freedom beyond Frederick Douglass.
Celtic Faire
Saturday and Sunday,
June 21 and 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From the Scottish Highlands, Emerald Isles, and rugged Welsh coastline to the Genesee Valley, Celtic traditions and roots run deep. Explore this rich culture at the pan-Celtic celebration of heritage music, dance, and authentic food and drink.
Activities include:
•Cheer on the Buffalo Heavies as they compete in historical Scottish demonstrations of strength, agility, and skill. On Saturday, local athlete and Buffalo Heavy Andy Crawford will challenge the Guinness World Record for most caber tosses in three minutes!
•Take a swing at cricket with games historian Tom Melville. Join Roc City Gaelic to try hurling and learn more about Gaelic football. A practice net will be set up for visitors, and a hands-on youth clinic will be Sunday at 11a.m.
•Rock out to the rhythms of A Bit of Irish Street Band and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann of Rochester. Listen to traditional melodies from local pipe bands Feadán Òr, Rochester Scottish Pipes & Drums, and Celtic Spirit Pipe Band. Enjoy heart-pounding dance demonstrations by ROCeltic and Rochester Academy of Irish Dance.
•Visit booths from more than 20 clans to learn about lineage, genealogy, tartan history, and a host of other topics and shop vendors offering everything from electable Welsh cookies to exquisite knotwork jewelry, and fairy paraphernalia to gorgeous knits.
Historic Base Ball
GCV&M offers the nation’s most comprehensive 19th-century base ball program, featuring five men’s teams and two women’s teams. The vintage base ball teams unpack their woolen uniforms, brown balls, and double-knobbed bats to play in Silver Base Ball Park, the first replica 19th-century base ball park in the country.
The men’s teams will play a double-header on Sunday, June 29, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Games are included with Museum admission.
Summer Workshops
Museum experts guide participants to explore new hobbies and skills, and give a taste of life in the 19th century. Three different workshops will be offered on Saturday, June 28:
•Dyeing Yarn Workshop
•Spinning Wool Workshop
•A Legacy of Resilience: Haudenosaunee Raised Beadwork Workshop
Visit https://www.gcv.org for information and tickets.
